The Hunger Games

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

The Hobbit

Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book 4; Origin)

The prequel to the New York Times best-selling Maze Runner series. Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the Earth, and mankind fell to disease. Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there's something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it's mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he's not even sure he believes himself.

Why we think it’s a great listen: It’s easy to say that when it comes to sci-fi you either love it or you hate it. But with Ender’s Game, it seems to be you either love it or you love it.... The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Enter Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, the result of decades of genetic experimentation.

Angels and Demons

World-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a cryptic symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist. What he discovers is unimaginable: a deadly vendetta against the Catholic Church by a centuries-old underground organization, the Illuminati. Desperate to save the Vatican from a powerful time bomb, Langdon joins forces in Rome with the beautiful and mysterious scientist Vittoria Vetra.

The Fever Code: Maze Runner, Book Five; Prequel

Once there was a world's end. The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled. Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man. Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy. The boy's name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze. Now there are secrets. There are lies. And there are loyalties history never could have foreseen. This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first her brothers and sister don't believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves. In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch.

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

"A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, 'Can we do this anonymously?' Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week." So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic - and sarcastic asides - to the classics.

What the Critics Say

"Catching Fire not only lived up to my high expectations, it surpassed them. It's just as exciting as The Hunger Games, but even more gut wrenching, because you already know these characters, you've already suffered with them." (Stephenie Meyer)

"...enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment." (School Library Journal, starred review)

Katniss and Peeta return triumphantly to District 12. After 6 months, they embark on a tour around the other districts as dissent and tensions rise. An outraged President Snow concocts a special treat for the 75th Hunger Games.

This book is slow to start with the "couple" touring on the train and adjusting to living in their victors' houses in a separate village while the townspeople continue to exist in squalor. The love triangle grows more complicated with Gale now back in the picture. Mid-way through, the story gains speed with an interesting twist and never stops. Couldn't download the third quickly enough.

My only complaint is how old the narrator sounds. I grew accustomed to it in the first book and it doesn't detract too much from the fantastic story.

I loved this book and I will talk about content, but first I must give praise to the audio itself. I often read the books before I listen to them, so I don't expect to be so spellbound by the audio. However, with this book, the narrator (Carolyn McCormick) is great and helps to engage me even more than when I read it myself. I had listened to the first book "The Hunger Games" before reading the second, it had the same narrator, and I could hear here voice in my head as I read. I made a point of listening to both back to back and it was pure pleasure. In "Catching Fire", I found myself laughing and crying with the book. The narrator is consistent and spot on with her inflections and voicing.

Now for content, I had been anticipating this second book in the trilogy since the moment I finished the first. It continues just a short time after the first and covers all that has happened in between and then continues on with the story Suzanne Collins so expertly weaved. The book is perfectly title as it descibes exactly how the temperment of the Districts has developed. I don't want to spoil it for people with too much. The love triangle between the Katniss, Peeta and Gale is further fleshed out, but, of course, is not resolved. The author does a wonderful job of this, and I, myself, can't even decide who is the one to choose, I can't take sides.

I don't know how helpful this review will be, but I cannot praise this book enough. It left me more than eager for the final book and I am sure that I will need to read it again in the mean time.

One thing I must say between books 1 and books 2 of the Hunger Games books is how seamless they seem to flow into each other. As most would agree, the first Hunger Games was excellently put together so a continuation was very much welcomed.

The narrator grew on me, she did a very good job voicing the different characters that are introduced (which were quite a few). She did very well to show the tortured nature of the characters in this book.

Catching Fire introduces a lot of very interesting new characters I must say. The tyranny of the Capital and of Snow becomes even more evident in the title. The story progresses very quickly I find and certain aspects of the book seems a bit rushed if you ask me, however much was not lost in this title and it was very much enjoyed.

She did great with the story, making everything easy to see and imagine.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I just want to listen to all 3 books in one setting but that would be impossible.

Any additional comments?

What fantastic books these are? I am truly a slave to these books until I finish the last one! I HAVE to read it now. Strong story with unexpected turn of events must finish the third book in one setting. Highly suggest reading these.

This book is intense and picks up right where Hunger Games left us. You would think Katniss & Peeta would now be living the victors life BUT then the rebellion starts. Katniss becomes the symbol of defiance and President Snow won't have it ......and so it goes...

I really like this series and there was no way I would not read all three books but in no way is this book equal to the first, with The Hunger Games (book one) being near perfect it's makes it a hard act to follow. Catching Fire isn't as good as The Hunger Games but it's still a great read/listen.

Would you try another book from Suzanne Collins and/or Carolyn McCormick?

I have read Catching Fire (and of course all the others) and after listening to The Help was really excited to hear Catching Fire. But from the outset it was just all wrong. The reader sounds like she is forty rather than a Katniss. It is grating. I listened for awhile but am not going to be able to finish it - I was really surprised that with content like this they didn't choose someone younger and more in touch with the content. I'm sure Carolyn would be great with other content - but not this.

I read the first book out of curiosity. I read this sequel (against my better judgment) because I enjoyed the film, which I thought was much more engaging and adult than the book. It is interesting that the plot of both book and film was much the same, but the visual presentation lifted the script from the book's basic level to something like a Star Wars franchise. I guess the promoters hope it is that successful!The movie also made me realise that I was wrong about the narrator in my review of the Hunger Games. I defer to those readers who picked the performance as lacking something that I did not. Now, having listened to her a second time, it is clear to me, too. In fact, my 12 year old daughter (listening to the reading as we traveled to her school one morning) described it as "Reception Reading". I regret to say it has some of that Dick and Dora quality to it. Maybe it would be more engaging with another narrator.As for the plot, it continued in its very predictable way. The penultimate Chapter was so predictable that I could barely listen to it, even though it is a mere 30 minutes long.Unless I enjoy the next film, I will not be reading the third book.

I can't really add much to the reviews of the story that have been previously written here. It is suspenseful, interesting, and made two days of a road trip much more interesting. I look forward to the third book, except I won't be listening to it from Audible. The narration here, by Carolyn McCormick, was simply dreadful. Katniss is alternately a world-weary 50-year-old, and a whiny 10-year-old - and not as a point of character fluctuation but of wildly shifting narration. At points in the story where Katniss might be serious, she is simpering; sarcasm comes across as self-doubt. It's amazing what a voice can or cannot do for a character. Other characters also did not fare well; McCormick seemed to have not read the "stage directions," so a solemn remark sometimes came out as a shout. By the end, I was gritting my teeth in frustration and sometimes outright laughing at the terrible, erratic vocalization.

The story is quite interesting, though, and I will look for it in another form elsewhere.

First and foremost, if you have not read/downloaded the Hunger Games first, you will find yourself lost by this book.
Catching Fire is great sequel to the first story, propelling the reader into to all the places where I'd hoped after the first one ended. The stakes are higher and the scope is as well, focusing more on the entire territory of Pannem and less on the District or Arena. That said -- it definitely was the "middle story of a trilogy"... coming to a conclusions which really was just meant to set up the third book. But hey -- it was certainly as addictive as the first one. Last word of warning, and one which may other reviewers seem to miss prior to downloading -- THIS IS A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL! The dialogue is simple and the plot is concrete (there's nothing subtle about it). That's the audience it was written for. Not sure why there are so many people reviewing it as if it weren't intended to be that way.

I loved Hunger Games; I urge everyone I know to read it, gave it to someone for Christmas, and turned my boyfriend onto it, so of course I couldn't wait for the second book and I wasn't let down. This book will be a bit slower going in the beginning because the last one focused mostly on the game itself and quickly became a frenzied page-turner. But now that Katniss is a champion we see more of her day-today life while getting an idea of what's going on with the government and the people who suffer it. But this doesnt mean I was ever bored, it's just differently paced. The best part about this "downtime" is that you learn more about the characters. I especially enjoyed hearing about Haymitch, so much so that I think he's my favorite character now. Be patient though-without giving away any spoilers I'll just say the second half really gets exciting, and the ending will blow your mind. I didn't see it coming, and I am literally counting the days until the next book comes out.

I'm really enjoying these audio-books. They are wonderfully read, and very well written. I think Suzanne Collins did a great job with the characters, especially Katniss. And just when I think I know how the story is going to go, she goes in a completely different direction.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Aleksandra

London, United Kingdom

3/30/12

Overall

"Really addictive!"

First of all, let me just say that I love the narrator Carolyn McCormick. She's doing a great job and I love her voice, tone and rhythm for the Hunger games series! This first part of the second book was not as action packed as the first Hunger Games, but it was not in the least uninteresting. I wanted to keep listening until it was done! I am also very excited about the second part of the recording which promises all the action to come. I think this book was really enjoyable - would recommend it.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Jennifer

Buckinghamshire, UK

9/2/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not as good as the first book"

The first book is so gripping that I can't imagine not reading this second installment, but, although decent, it wasn't anywhere near as good as the first book. Katniss lacks the cleverness that got her through the first games and the plot contains too much same old same old to make it special.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

jennifer

alfreton, United Kingdom

8/25/12

Overall

"Catching Fire"

This was as good as the Hunger Games,but i never exspected the ending like it was cannot wait to listen to the final book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

mrs

chessington, United Kingdom

2/23/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not the best"

Would you try another book written by Suzanne Collins or narrated by Carolyn McCormick?

I've listened to the first book and was enthralled.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It was a little too recap heavy for me. It was also repetitive and this lost some of my interest. It seemed like a bridge to the final book. I also lost some of my support for Katniss she seems to be very self absorbed in this book.

Did Carolyn McCormick do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?

I was not fond of the Katniss' voice, it sounded a little weak and whiny, which I'm sure was not the intention for the heroine of the story.

Was Catching Fire: Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2 worth the listening time?

Yes it was worth the listening time.

Any additional comments?

I afraid I'm not going to listen to the third book in the trilogy but I'm sure it will tie up lots of lose ends. I just fear it will be another chance to revisit the old plot and stories.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Andre

Stavanger, Norway

12/1/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"A thoroughly gripping book"

Would you listen to Catching Fire: Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2 again? Why?

I would surely listen to Catching Fire again. the story is fast-paced, the characters are well developed, the language is beautiful and the symbolism in the story is impossible not to get inspired by.

What did you like best about this story?

The mere thought of drawing a parallell between the symbolism in this book and the rampant development of entertainment in the modern world is gripping.

Have you listened to any of Carolyn McCormick’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, I have not.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story itself makes my heart race. The overall theme of the book is a mix of inspiring and depressing (in a good way!)

Any additional comments?

Nope, I'm good.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Claire Mills

7/21/12

Overall

"Bit of bridge to the fantastic 3rd book"

As I've found with most trilogies the 2nd book tends to be a bit of a bridge betwen the excitement of the first book and the climax and thrill of the 3rd book. This one is a bit of a scene/background setter ready for the 3rd book, but is still unput-downable and is completely believable for a future American world

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Kelly

Paulton, United Kingdom

7/19/12

Overall

"A gripping listen"

So, I already own the paperback and have recently purchased The Hunger Games on audiobook, so the next step would be to acquire this one, the second in the trilogy. A great Narrator makes this a much more enjoyable listen than some I've come across. We have listened to it a few times now and think it will become a great addition to our audio library.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

SDY

Australia

4/26/12

Overall

"It gets interesting..."

This books needs no introduction. You can't not read it if you've read the Hunger Games. My comment is specific to the audible version: Carolyn McCormick does a fine job with the reading. Her voice adapts well to all the different characters so it's always pretty clear who's talking. The slightly husky tone to her voice adds an edge to the prose, and definitely makes you feel that you're listening to more than a kids' book. A pleasure to listen to.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

charlie

LOUGHBOROUGH, United Kingdom

1/23/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Absolute cracker"

What did you like most about Catching Fire: Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2?

loved the story line, absolutely captivating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Catching Fire: Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2?

Fantastic build up to a huge twist at the end!

Which character – as performed by Carolyn McCormick – was your favourite?

Hamich

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the girl on fire strikes back

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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